More Cold Weather Indoor Fun

Before we know it, even colder days will set in, and you might not be inclined to take (or let) your children outdoors to play. How do you keep them entertained during the interminable days that seem to run into one another?

Here are some suggestions (stock up quickly!):

Play-doh

Markers

Water colors and/or tempera paints

Crayons

Construction paper

Coloring books

Brown paper bags

Cardboard boxes (for coloring, cutting, or making forts)

Glue

Scissors

What to do with all that stuff? Try That Artist Woman (http://thatartistwoman.blogspot.com/) for both seasonal and general crafts.

For particularly educational board games, try Guess Who, Cadoo, Hullaballoo, and Guesstures, which require children to speak in full sentences. Puzzles, bead kits, and other handiwork are great ways to work on fine motor skills for younger and older children.

For some indoor physical activity, try Twister, Kids Yoga DVDs (just search at Amazon and you will find a wide variety), or even Wii Fit.

And, you may even want to allow pillow fights and plenty of blanket-and-dining-room-chair forts to break up the monotony.

Also, remember that when you do go outdoors, skin protection is still important. Don’t forget sunscreen on exposed skin (at least moisturizer with SPF for your face) and sunglasses, even in the winter!